Self-storing interengaging louvers



Feb. 24, 1959 J. MUHR sELF-sToRrNG INTERENGAGING LouvERs 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 27, 1957 INVENTOR.' JOHN MUHQ BY W l-/S` TTO/EYS 8 3 l Y 2 3 l nu:

United States Patent O 2,874,771 SELF-STORING `INTERENGAGING LOUVERS l John Mum, Miami, F1a. Application August 27,` 1957, Serial No. 680,447

12 Claims. (Cl.160--33)V This invention relates to a novel arrangement of movable louvers or panels which maybe opened into position `within an opening orstored folded in a compartment located along one side of the opening and which, when within the opening, may be held open orrmoved into inter-engaging postion to seal oi Vthe opening. The invention is particularly adapted to venting and closing a relatively large wall or window opening `as Vmay be found in a house or other building, althoughthe inven-. tion is not necessarily so limited. This application is acontinuation-in-part application of my copending application Serial-No. 600,991, filed July 30, 1956 for Self-StoringInter-Engaging Louvers, now abandoned. l

A present trend in home construction is toward` large, wall-sized openings which canA be fully opened up or securely sealed as desired. On warm days screening or no obstruction at-all in the opening is desired; on cooler or windy days a partially enclosed openingvisdesired; and on cold or rainy' days complete closing of the opening is desired. Various expedients have been suggested for providing the desired controlV mechanism` for such openings; but to date, none have been entirely satisfactory.

It is an object of this invention to provide a preferably rectangular opening in` a building with removable, `ad justable louvers. i fw A further object is to provide a mass-produced wall opening unitincluding louvers' for the opening, means foi moving said louvers into and out of the opening; and means for opening and closing said louvers while positioned Within the opening. j

Another object is to provide means for automatically opening and closing a plurality of louvers in a vbuilding opening together with means for automatically removing and storing the louvers in a compartment adjacent thel building opening.

A further object is to provide a louver arrangement having a greater range of comfort, vision and decor.

The foregoing and further-objects and features ofthis invention will be readilyfunderstood from the following detailed description of two ,embodiments of theinvention. While the invention is described in relation toa window opening, it is in no way limitedthereto, as the invention may take the form of a sunshade, folding wall partition or the like. The full scope of the invention is pointed out in the appended claims rather than by the following description and attached drawings, which are merely illustrative, and in which.

Figure 1 is an isometric, partially broken away view of a pair of window units showing the louvers in one window unit in open position and showing the louvers in the other unit in closed interengaging position;

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section through line '2-2 in Figure l;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary, enlarged, vertical section through line 3-3 in Figure l;

ice

Figure 4 is .a vertical section showing the louvers in Figure 7 is an enlarged detailed isometric View of a portion of a louver and its linkage, as shown in Figure 5;

Figure `8 is an enlarged section through line 8 8 of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is an isometric view of another embodimen of the invention; and t Figure l0 is a detailed view of a portion of one louver shown in Figure 9, the bearing assembly for such louver,- and the operating mechanism for such louver.

Referring rst to theembodiment shown in Figures 1,-8, there is` illustrated in Figure 1 a pair of louvered window -units 11 and 12 in accordance with theinvention, which units aremounted side lby side in the cast` concrete wall 14 of a building. Generally, each of the units 11 and 12 comprises a central rectangular window opening 15-surrounded by a hollow rectangular frame 16 preferably of Va light, non-corroding metal, such as extruded aluminum.V a pluralityof similar louvers 18 are shown open, that is,. spaced apart in parallel -generally horizontal positionsA within window opening 15. f As illustrated in Figure l, relativelywide panel sections17 ,form the base of the frame 16.A Figures 3 and `4v illustrate that two such` panels labelled 17a andI 17b cooperate toform a well under the win-dow opening 16 into lwhich the louvers -18 may be lowered forsto'r'- age. The mechanism by which this is accomplished will be described hereinafter.

Each louver 18, as is shown in greater detailin Fig'- ure 7, comprises a rectangular pane ,ofjplate glassv19 enclosed withinV anoutervframe 20,- p'referably of eX- truded aluminum or plastic, with a pair of similar elongated cylindrical shafts 22 rigidly aixed to the centers of the oppositesideedges of each louver for' supporting the louver and transmitting to it the desiredturning and elevating movements. The interengaging edge surfaces of frame 20 of each louver may include ,strips y24 -of a suitable Vresilient material, such as rubber, to .fully- `interengaging each provided with a-squared outer end portion terminating in a threaded end and are positioned within a pair of lp arallel'elongated vertical slots 26 which face eachother along the inside edges of frame 16. Each shaft-22 is maintained withinasleeve 23 having -a pair of parallel flattened outer side surfaces designed to s1ide.

each sleeve 23 has an enlargedring-like projection 23a.' Lateral horizontal movement of the louvers ,is .preventedl by the conlining actionlof 'flanges 16a, while movement along the axis of shaft 422 is restricted by the louver. edge itself on one sideand the ring-like projectionla` on the opposite side of anges 16a- The linkage for moving the. louvers inaccordance withr the invention is -new and presents many advantages in simplicity, ineconomy ,of `construction land in'positive,

In `the left hand unit 11.

within framel 16 and away from the louver, is adapted t0 support an inner arm. 50a. of a pair of similar end-connected inner and outer arms, 50a and 50b respectively. Arms 50 are preferably identical aluminum alloy stampingsA and each contains` a squared" central h'ole which, in the case of each inner arm 50a, ts over the squared end portion of shaft 22 and is maintained in position by a nut 51 fitting over the threaded end of shaft 22. A pair of pins or rivets 52 tted into holes near the opposite ends of the pair of arms 50a and 5llb serve to connect the arms together and also to connect the arms to the ends of a plurality of foldable links 53, 54, 55 and 56, also preferably aluminum alloy stampings. The ends of links 53, 54, 55 and 56 opposite to the ends connected to arms 50 by pins 52 are pivotally connected "byl rivets or the like to the ends of similar links lying above and below. These links are, in turn, connected to the next adjacent louvers. Thus, from the uppermost louver downwardly to the lowermost, all of louvers 18 are interconnected in parallel relationship to each other. Links 55 and 56 are provided at their lower ends with a bent metal abutment 55a and 56a, respectively, to prevent the linkage in its extended or open position from 'being straight up and down and to therefore provide the linkage with the impulse to fold up in a predetermined manner when the louvers are lowered into their stored position, as will be described subsequently. A linkage mechanism as described is provided.

It is to be noted in connection with Figure 7 that the arms 50a and 50h, while of identical construction, are each unsymmetric at the ends. One end of each arm terminates in a stepped, rather shallow offset portion 47, while the other end of each arm terminates in a comparatively deep offset portion 49. As a result,.when these arm's are secured together with the links 53, 54, 551 and 56, the links 53 and 56, on the one side, and 54 and 55, on the other side, are supported in separate vertical planes. This construction enables the linkages on either side of the arms 50 to collapse in separate vertical planes without any interference therebetween.

It is evident from the linkage construction that the link pairs 54 and 55, Aon the one side, and 53 and 56, on the other side, must have a combined length when fully expanded to their somewhat cocked position equal substantially to the width of the individual louvers 18. This dimensional restriction would require, if the linkages were to collapse in a common plane, that the pins 52 in each arm 50 be spaced apart a distance equal to or exceeding the width of the individual louvers 18. Allowing for necessary clearances, it would then be necessary to provide the frame 16 housing the linkage mechanism with a width materially exceeding the width of the louvers 18. By providing for collapse of the linkages on either end of the arms 50 in separate vertical planes, as in the present invention, this restriction on the width dimension of the frame 16 is removed such that a material reduction in the width of the frame 16 as compared to that of the louvers 18 is permitted. This, in turn, allows greater exibility in the design of the frame for the louver assembly. p

In order to rotate the louvers about their shafts 22, so as to move them from spaced horizontal planes to a common vertical plane, a turning mechanism, which is best shown in Figures 3, and 7, is provided. Referring to Figure 3, a vertical hexagonal shaft 62 is mounted for rotation between spaced horizontal angle bars 61 and 63 ixedly secured within one side of the frame 16. The shaft 62 extends from substantially the center ofthe louver assembly downwardly to nearly the bottom of the well between the panels 17. As illustrated in Figure 5, a gear 57 is lxedly secured to the upper Aend `of the shaft 62 in coaxialrelation therewith bya nut 58 engaging the end of the shaft62 which is threaded. "The gear 5.7 is engaged by a worm 59 carried by a handle 60. The handle 60 projects into the frame 16' from'the outside and is journalled for rotation in suitable bearings, one mounted on the frame .1.6 and theA other integralV withy the upper angle bar 61. Through this gearing arrangement, rotation `of the handle 60 is transmitted to the shaft 62.

As best seen in Figure 7, a beveled gear 64 with a hexagonal aperture is slidably but non-rotatably mounted upon the shaft 62. Journalled to the gear 64 is a bracket 66 projecting downwardly from the gear 64 between the shaft 62 and the linkage mechanism. The lower end of this bracket 66 provides a support for the Ahorizontal shaft 68 of a horizontal well cover 70v to lbe described in detail subsequently. By this means, the lower well cover 70 is xedlyjoined to the linkage mechanism in fixed. spaced relation to the lowerrnost louver 18 of the louver assembly. The intermediate portion of the bracket 66 provides a journal for the horizontal shaft of a beveled gear 72 meshing with .the gear 64. The shaft of the gear 72 is provided with a squared end portion, not shown, seated in the squared central hole in the arm 50b of the lowermost. louver 18 of the louver assembly. As illustrated, this arm- 50 may be of greater size than the other arms of the linkage to provide greater strength in this arm.

When the louvers are in position within the window opening 15, the turning of handle 60will cause axial rotation of hexagonal shaft 62 which, in turn, will operate gears 64 and 72 to rotate the lowermost pair of arms 50, causing lowermost louver 18 to pivot about its shaft 22. Links 53, 54, 55 and 56 will transmit this pivoting motion simultaneously -to all of the louvers which will louvers.

A mechanism for raising and lowering the entire louver assembly is illustrated in Figures 2 and 6. The mechanism includes a horizontal grooved drum 34 disposed transversely in the center of the upper horizontal portion of the frame 16. The, drum 34l is adapted to be rotated manually `by a hand crank 36, external to the frame 16, through meshing gears 3S and 37. The drum 34 is further adapted to be rotated electrically with an electric motor 38, disposed within the frame 16, through beveled gears 39 and 41. A cable 28 interconnects the drum 34 with a pulley assembly, as follows.

Referringv to Figures 2 and 6 a bracket 49, mounted upon the frame 16 by means not shown, supports spaced pulleys 42a and 42b Vfor rotation about a horizontal transverse axis inone upper corner of the frame 16. A like bracket supports pulleys 43a and 43b for rotation about a parallel axis in the opposite upper corner of the frame 16. Within the storage well between the panels 17 are lpulleys 44 and 4S, one on each side of the well, supported for rotation about a common horizontal axis by brackets 46. As illustrated in Figure 2, the brackets 46 are adjustably secured by suitable bolts 48 seated within the slots 26 along the inside edges of the frame 16.

Cable 28, which may be continuous or in two separate segments, has one segment 28a dewinding counterclockwise from the drum 34 to pass over pulley 42b, under pulley 44, over pulley 42a and then to wind counterclockwise back onto drum 34. The other segment 2Sb of cable 28 dewinds clockwise from drum 34 to pass over ,pulley 43h, under pulley 45, over pulley 43a, and then winds clockwise back onto drum 34.

, A cover plate 30 is secured to the cable segments 28a and 28b as follows. The cover plate 30 is provided with.longitudinal support rods 31 at its opposite ends. These 'rods 31 are bored radially to receive the cable segments which pass therethrough. Set screws 33, illustrated in'Figure 8, anchor the cable segments to the rods 31. The rods 31 are secured to the cable segments 28a' and 28h between the pulleys 42b and 44 on the one side and between the pulleys 43b and 45 on the The arrangement is such that the cover plate 30 is secured horizontally between the cable segments. Referring to Figure 7, it is to be noted that the cable segments 28a and 28h between the pulleys 42b and 44, on the one side, and the pulleys 43band 4S, on the other side, pass vertically between the spaced arms 50a and 50h along the length of the lower supporting linkages and is so positioned therebetween that the cables will not interfere with the collapse of the linkages. That is, the link pairs 53 and 56, and 54 and 55, will collapse to positions on opposite sides of the cables. It is further to be noted that the cable segments each pass freely through a radial boring provided in the `shaft 68 of the lower well cover 70, so as not to interfere with the vertical movement ofthis well cover.

Upon clockwise rotation of the drum 34, as viewed iu Figure 6, the cable segments 28a and 2812, will cooperate to elevate the cover plate 30 while maintaining the cover plate substantially horizontal at all times. Upon opposite rotation of the drum 34, the cover plate 30 will be lowered by the cable segments l28a and 28h; This elevational movement of the coverplate 30 is transmitted to the louvers 18 through links 73` connecting the ends of the rods 31- with the arms 50h on either end ofthe uppermost louver 18 in the louver assembly. A nut 74 secures one end of the link73 to the end of the support rod 31 and a shaft 75, having one upset end and one squared end, secures the other end of the link 73 ,to the squared central hole of the arm 50h.

While not illustrated, the weight of the louver assembly maybe counterbalanced by suitable weights aflixed to the cable segments 28a and 28h in the vertical portions thereof between the pulleys 43a and'45, on the one side, and 42a and 44 on the other side.

With this elevation mechanism, the severallouvers 18 of the assembly may be elevated into position in the window opening 15. In this position, illustrated in Figure 2, the mechanism for rotating the louvers 18 about their own axes for 4opening and closing the louvered window is fully operative.

With referenceto Figure 2, it is to` be noted that the upper cover plate 30 is fully elevated into abutment with the upper horizontal `portion of the frame 16. For reasons to' be emphasized in the following, the upper cover plate 30 is somewhat askew, so as to have a sloping upper surface. To accommodate this shape, the upper portion of the frame 16 has a shortened side. The inner surface of the upper portion of the frame 16 is c-overed with a panel 76 which fully conceals the elevating mechanism. As'illustrated, the upper cover plate 3(1)," is provided wtih a jamb 77 on the lower surface thereof, adapted to cooperate with one margin of the uppermost louver 18 to form a closure therewith as this louver is pivoted to the vertical closed position.

The lower well cover 70, as seen in VFigure 2, is also somewhataskew, so as to have a sloping upper surface. To vaccommodate this shape, the panels 17a and 17b, forming the storage well, are of dierent heights, the panel 17b being the higher. The upper margins of the panels 17a and 17b are turned inwardly to provide lips `78 and 79, respectively, under which are placed resilient gaskets or seals 80.A `The welll cover 70 is provided with recessed margins 81 adapted to engage these seals when the louver assembly is inthe elevated position. This construction provides a substantially watertight covering for the storage well which functions to drain rain water to the left, as viewed in Figure 2, this being towards the outside of the building of which the louver assembly is a part. The lips 78 and 79 also provide an c-overing for the storage well.

As illustrated, the well cover 70 is provided with a jamb 82 adapted to cooperate with the margin of the lowermost cover 18 of the louver assembly to form a closure when this louver is oriented vertically. Suitable weep holes, not shown, may be provided in this jamb. to permit full drainage of the well cover 70, however, the inside portion of this well cover need seldom, if ever, be drained `as a practical matter, as this sur-v face is not ordinarily exposed to rainfall. As is apparent in Figure 2, the cover plate 30 and the well cover 70 cooperate to conceal the entire working mechanism of the louver assembly when this assembly is in the elevated position.

Figure 3 'shows the louver assembly lowered into the storage well. In this position, the lower well cover 70 is recessed within the storage well adjacent the bottom thereof and the upper cover plate 30 now serves as a To this end, the cover plate 30 is provided with down turned lateral anges 83 and 84, adapted to overlap the lips 78 and 79, respectively, of the panels 17a and 17b. As illustrated, the cover plate 30 is sloped to shed water when the louvers .are in the stored position. A slight ridge85 extends along the inner margin of the cover plate to curtail wind blown water from passing to the building interior over the surface of the cover plate 30.

. Figures 2 and 3 also illustrate Weep holes 86provided in the lower portion of the panel 17a, this being the exterior panel. These weep holes permit the escape of moisture condensate which will accumulate on Vthe inside surface of the panel 17a when the temperature diierential in the air on the opposite sides of thepanel is too great. The drainage of condensate is facilitated by a collecting baffle 87 attached to the inner surface of the panel 17a below the weep holes 86. The'lower well cover .70 serves to direct any water dripping from the stored louvers into the bae 87. y

Illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 is a Vwire screen member 88 positioned on the interior of the window opening and secured to the frame 16. This screen, of course, may be placed on either the inside or the outside of the louver assembly. The screen has been removed from Figure 1, for clarity.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, there is illustrated another embodiment of the invention in which the louvers are positioned vertically and arranged to be rotated about vertical axes. A window unit 90 is shown in- Figure 9 mounted in a wall 92. A plurality of similar, parallel louvers 94 are positioned within the window opening of unit 90 and are shown in their open position. Except as indicated below, the louvers 94 may be opened and closed and may be removed from the opening and folded into an adjacent storage compartment in the side of unit 90 substantially in the same manner as shown and described in connection with the preferred embodiment of Figures l-8. The present modification is a mere adaptation of the preferred embodiment, `wherein the louver assembly as a whole is rotated through 90 to orient the louvers vertically without change in the described louver operating mechanisms.

In order to support the weight of the louvers when vertically arranged as illustrated in Figure 9 and to permit simple, unobstructedv movement of the louvers into and out of the window opening, a bearing assembly and grooved track may be provided, as is shown in Figure 10. An elongated slot 95, generally similar to slot 26 previously described, in the frame of unit 90 extends along the center of the window sill. lOn either side of slot 95 is a grooved track 96. Tracks 965 are parallel to each other and run theflength of the sill and into the storage colmpartment .(not shown) in one side of unit 90. A pair of upstanding anges 97 run vparallel to and along the outer sides of tracks 96.

A bearing member 98, preferably in the form of a rectangular plate retaining four balls 99 and containing a central circular hole adapted to accommodate a vertical louver shaft 101, is slidably positioned between the flanges 97 with two balls of the bearing member 98 rid ing in each of grooved tracks 96. An upper plate 100, also containing a central circular hole to accommodate the louver shaft, is positioned over bearing member 98. Each louver 94 is supported by a pair of shafts 101 positioned along a common vertical axis with one shaft above and one below the louver. Shafts 101 are similar in some respects to louver shafts 22 previously described, but here including a ring-like cylindrical flange 102 resting on the upper surface of plate 100.

With the foregoing arrangement, the louvers 94 are free to be turned from open to closed position by the rotation of shafts 101L by a suitable linkage turning mechanism 104 identical to that described in connection with the preferred embodiment. Also, the louvers are free to be moved into and out of their storage compartment along slot 95 on the bearing mechanism just described and propelled by cable 106. To provide a weather tight seal along the bottom of the louvers when they are in closed position, flanges 97 should lie approximately ush with the uppersurface of plate 100 with the lower edges of thelouvers themselves lying just slightly above the upper edges of flanges 9.7. A slotted rubber shoe, not shown, may be fitted over the flanges to aid in sealing off the mechanism. As.in the preferred embodimennconcealing cover plates '108 and 110 are `providedon the opposite sides of the louver assembly. Cover plate .108 isa driven cover plate. CoverV plate 110 is retained within a storage well tothe left of Figure 9 as in the preferred embodiment.

In view of `the foregoing, it is apparent that the, present apparatus is particularly designed to give proper control overopenings in a building, vrangingfrom fully open to fully closed. While the invention isespecially adapted for use with the so-called Florida type ofhome and building construction, itis equally .practical for colder climates. Because the Llouvers :are .fitted with lshouldered or stepped closing frames. which .may ibe interengaged to provide a perfectly weatherproof closure, the invention provides a range of ventilation, vision and comfort heretofore unobtainable with conventional arrangements.

This invention is adapted-to be mass 'produced as a complete factory assembled wall or .window section including a generally rectangular frame adaptedto be fitted as a unitinto a large wall opening. The unit may contain a largerectangular opening,-whi'ch .may run almost from the fioor'to ceiling ofpa building. Such a mass-produced wall unit will facilitate home Aconstruction andpermit economies in themanufacture of the units themselves.

As is apparent, self-storing interengaging louvers as provided by this invention yare inno way Vrestricted-to the vertical and horizontal positions described above. The louvers themselves may be constructed .of metal, glass, plastic or other materiaksuitable forthe purpose for which they are intended andthe mechanism for moving and turning the louvers may be made in various forms.

Although the preferred embodiments ofthe /device have been described,rit will be'understood that-within the purview of this invention various-changes may be made in the form, details, proportion andrarrangement of parts, the combination Athereof .andmode of=operation, which generally stated consist in a device capablelof carrying out the objects ksetfo'rth,.as ydisclosed and defined in the appended claims.

'Having thus described mynVention, I .claimi l. An apparatus foriventing and closing an opening in a kbuilding comprising a hollowframe surrounding said openingsaid frame includingaportion4 forming a storage 8 compartment adjacent said opening, a first elongate cover plate for said storage compartment, means disposed within said hollow frame for-moving'said cover plate to and fro across said opening in the 'plane of said opening and in a direction transversely of the length of said cover plate, a plurality of like'elongate planar louvers, foldable linkage disposed within said hollow frame for rotatably supporting said louvers in spaced parallel relation in the plane of said opening, said louvers being disposed parallel to said first cover plate, a second cover plate movably positioned in said storage compartment inparallelirelation to said first cover plate, means for confining the movement of said second cover plate within said storage compartment, means for attaching one end of said foldable linkage to said first cover plate, and means for attaching the other end of said foldable linkage to said second cover .plate whereby said louvers are positioned between said cover plates, the construction and arrangement being such that movement of said first cover plate in one direction will collapse said louvers into said storage compartment and movement of said first cover plate in the opposite direction across said opening will draw said louvers into spaced parallel relation in said opening.

2. The apparatus according to claim l, wherein said storage compartment and opening are disposed vhorizontally side by side, and wherein said louvers and cover plates are oriented vertically.

3. The lapparatus according to claim l, wherein said storage compartment and said opening are arranged vertically one above the other and wherein said louvers and cover plates are oriented horizontally.

4. The apparatus according to claim l, including means for rotatingat least one of said louvers about its own longitudinal axis, said foldable linkage transmitting the rotational motion to all of the louvers.

5. The apparatus according to claim l, wherein said foldable linkage, upon being fully expanded to support said louvers in said opening, is dimensioned to space said louvers in equispaced relation a distance apart equal substantially to the widthof said louvers, said apparatus including means for rotating said louvers each about its own-axis between a position in the plane of said opening and positions inclined thereto, said louvershaving complementary marginal portions adapted to interengage with adjacent louvers when said louvers are oriented inthe plane of said opening for forming a closure, said first and second cover plates having jambs thereon for interengaging the margins of louvers adjacent thereto lwhen said louvers are oriented in the plane of said opening.

6. The apparatus according to claim l, wherein said storage compartment is disposed vertically below said opening and wherein said cover plates are inclined to shed water to one side of said window opening. v

7. Anapparatus for venting and closing an opening comprising a hollow frame surrounding said opening, said frame including a portion forming a storage compartment adjacent said opening, a first elongate cover plate for said storage compartment, a second elongate cover plate disposed movably within said compartment in parallel relation to said first cover plate, collapsible means interconnecting said first and second cover plates, a plurality of like planar louvers supported in parallel relation between said cover plates by said collapsible means, said louvers and cover plates being arranged in the plane of said opening, and means for moving said first cover plate to and fro across said opening in a direction normal to its length, said collapsible means upon said first cover plate being moved away from said storage compartment expanding tospace said louvers in said opening and upon said first cover plate being moved toward said storage compartment collapsing to pack said louvers in said storage compartment.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said collapsible means includes a first linkage comprising a plurality of elongate links pivotally joined end to end,

a second like linkage parallel thereto, alternate links in each linkage having an abutment at one end thereof for maintaining said links in antiparallel relation so as to 'impart to the linkage the impulse to collapse, there being one abutment at each alternate joint of each linkage, a plurality of louver supporting arms, said arms being arranged in parallel between said linkages, means pivotally securing the opposite ends of said arms to said linkages at the joints thereof intermediate said alternate joints, the construction and arrangement being such that the alternate joints of said parallel linkages fold inwardly one toward another upon collapse of said linkages, said arms having oiset portions at the ends thereof retaining said linkages in separate parallel planes whereby said linkages are positioned to collapse in side by side relation in separate planes.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said collapsible means supports said louvers for rotation in unison each about its own longitudinal axis, and including means for imparting rotation to said louvers, said means including an elongate shaft disposed within said frame in parallel relation to the direction of movement of said iirst cover plate, handle means for imparting rotation to said shaft, and means slidably engaging said shaft for transmitting the rotation thereof to one of said louvers, the construction and arrangement being such that the means for imparting rotation to said louvers is effective for all positions of said louvers.

l0. The apparatus according to claim 6, including baille means disposed Within said storage compartment for collecting water draining from said second cover plate, said hollow frame having a weep hole for conveying water collected in said baille to the exterior of said hollow frame.

ll. An apparatus for venting and closing an opening comprising a frame mounted in the opening and having a portion forming a storage compartment adjacent the opening, a rst cover plate for said storage compartment, a second substantially parallel cover plate disposed movably within said storage compartment, collapsible means interconnecting said cover plates, a plurality of louvers supported in parallel relation between said cover plates by said collapsible means, means for moving said first cover plate to and fro across said opening, said collapsible means upon said trst cover plate moving away from said storage compartment across said opening expanding to space said louvers in said opening and operating to draw said second cover plate in closing relation to said storage compartment.

l2. The apparatus according to claim l1 including means for rotating at least one of said louvers, said collapsible means transmitting the rotational motion to the remainder of the-louvers.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNTTED STATES PATENTS 1,927,967 Welsh Sept. 26, 1933 2,167,840 Hepworth Aug. l, 1939 2,538,210 Pirrie lan. 16, 1951 2,602,502 Betancourt July 8, 1952 

